Comedian Dave Chappelle made a surprise visit to the Capitol late Thursday afternoon, gathering with friends ahead of his Washington show in the evening.
While in the Capitol, the comedy legend took photos with staffers and lawmakers alike. Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) were among the lawmakers who snapped selfies with Chappelle. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) was also seen walking with Chappelle.
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Donalds also huddled with Chappelle for a few minutes, where the two discussed the Florida congressman's legislation to rename the House press room after Frederick Douglass. "Well, that's a bar, man," Chappelle replied after learning about the bill.
Chappelle told reporters outside the Capitol, "I'm from D.C., so as you know, government is one of the big town businesses. A lot of people I grew up with work on the Hill, so I hang out here sometimes when I'm in D.C. to catch up with old friends."
When asked if he came to Hill for a particular cause, Chappelle replied, "Well, I'll tell you what I didn't come to do: be on television."
????DAVE CHAPELLE holding court under the Capitol Dome.
— Pablo Manríquez (@PabloReports) November 30, 2023
I told the iconic DC comedian that @ByronDonalds (pictured) has a resolution to rename the House press room after Frederick Douglass.
"Well that's a bar, man," said Chapelle. pic.twitter.com/rExxklJI9g
A representative for the comedian told the Washington Examiner that Chappelle was not in the Capitol on official business, nor did he attend any meetings. He was simply there to say hello to congressional staffers and lawmakers, several whom he’s developed personal and professional working relationships with through the years.
The spokeswoman said that Chappelle was also in Washington for the Kennedy Center Honors and a workshop he's taking part in at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in northwest Washington called "Art is Activism."
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It is unclear if any lawmakers are attending his Thursday night show at The Anthem, located along Washington's southwest waterfront.
Thursday was not the first time Chappelle took an unannounced trip to the Capitol. He made a surprise visit in August 2018 to pay his respects to the late Sen. John McCain as he was lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda, which he did not promote on any social media.